Overview of Daman:

Located in Makwanpur district, Daman is a small village at an altitude of 2322 meters above sea level. Situated on the Tribhuvan highway, it is a popular destination for those who want to experience Nepal’s natural beauty and magnificent mountains. 76 km away from Kathmandu, this small village is popular among people from the Terai region. Daman hiking is considered the ideal site in Nepal as it is near Kathmandu, just a two—to three-hour drive.

One of the highlights of Daman is the cold wind blowing around this region. The place is always windy and rarely hot and humid. One of Daman’s most popular hiking trails is the Daman to Palung Village trek, which takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Another equally favorable hike is the Daman to Simbhanjyang hike, which takes 5-6 hours to complete. This is one of the lesser-known hikes near Kathmandu. The surroundings are clean and full of lush greenery that attracts many birds and animal species.

Daman-Palung

To start from Daman, you must travel 76 km from Kathmandu, which may take 4-5 hours. Daman is a peaceful hill station attracting many visitors from all over Nepal. This small village has many hotels and resorts. The trail winds through small villages in the Makwanpur district and crosses small streams along the way. It is advised to confirm the route with the locals as the route is not marked well.

The route from Daman to Palung is not too strenuous and can be easily completed. The trail can sometimes be confusing due to many small roads leading to different villages.  You can see the locals busy in their daily activities, mostly farming and agriculture. Occasionally, you can get a glimpse of the towering mountain ranges of Nepal that border Tibet.

Daman-Simbhanjyang

Simbhanjyang
Simbhanjyang In Winter (Source: Wikipedia Commons)

 

Another equally favorable hiking destination starting from Daman is the hike to Simbhanjyang. This hike is less explored because most of the trail is forested. Along the way, you may encounter wild animals and birds. A limited number of people have explored this trail, so its information is not easily available to this day. You can hike from Daman to Simbhanjyang with the help of pretty friendly locals. This hike from Daman to Simbhanjyang is pretty strenuous and the region also receives snowfall during winter.

Situated in the mid-north of Nepal, Simbhanjyang is a panoramic tourist destination. At 2488 meters above sea level, it is the highest peak of Makwanpur district. This lesser-known destination is ideal to stop by if you’re traveling around this region.

 Some Facts about Daman:

  • Location: 76 km from Kathmandu. It can be accessed via the Tribhuvan Highway or an alternate route to Hetauda.
  • Elevation: 2322 meters above sea level
  • Uniqueness: Receives snowfall occasionally during winters and is renowned for cold and chilly weather throughout the year. Which makes this place an ideal destination for people to beat the summer heat.

Facts about Palung:

  • Location: 50 km from Kathmandu. It can also be accessed via the Tribhuvan Highway.
  • Elevation: 1018 meters above sea level.
  • Uniqueness: Ancient Newari villages and serene farmlands and scenery.

Facts about Simbhanjyang:

  • Location: 80 km from Kathmandu. It can also be accessed via the Tribhuvan Highway.
  • Elevation: 2488 meters above sea level.
  • Uniqueness: This small village gets covered in snow during winter, making it an ideal hill station accessible from Kathmandu and Hetauda.

Best Time To Hike In This Region

The best time to hike around this region is in Autumn, from September to November. By then, the rainy season will have stopped, and winter will begin soon. Hikers will not have to worry about rain or snowfall. You may also choose to hike this region during the summer, as it will not be too difficult due to the region’s cold climate.

Some Tips:

  • Start Early: It’s best to start your hike early as you’ll have more time to enjoy the surroundings and explore.
  • Monitor the Weather: This region receives snowfall during the winter, so monitor the weather pattern.
  • Pack Wisely: Do not pack unnecessary items for the hike. Be careful while packing, carry essentials, and avoid heavy items.
  • Enjoy the Experience: Be sure to enjoy the whole experience. Respect the locals and have a great time outdoors.

Also Read: Unveiling Lalitpur: A Journey Through Culture And History